Payette and Bowdoin complete science building at Gordon College

Payette and Bowdoin Construction have completed the Ken Olsen Science Center at Gordon College. Named for Ken Olsen, the founder of Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) and a member of the college's board of trustees, the new $21 million science center fosters interdisciplinary interaction and critical thinking. The 83,154 s/f science building is a new facility that houses the departments of biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, psychology, and movement science. It contains wet and dry labs, classrooms, faculty offices, a 400-seat auditorium, a case study/lecture hall and a main lobby. Bowdoin Const. was selected by Gordon College to manage the construction of the science center in March of 2006.  Bowdoin, Gordon and Payette coordinated for four months prior to construction to address campus safety/logistics, phasing and constructability approaches. The project began in July of 2006 with the demolition of two buildings, including Byington Hall and the Wood Hall dormitory. Foundations for the new four-story science center were then cut into the side of the hill next to Coy Pond. Steel erection was substantially complete in late February of 2007 with a topping off ceremony. The beam was signed by Gordon students, school officials, and members of the design and construction team.    The professional design team also included Vanderweil Engineers (mechanical and electrical engineers); R. W. Sullivan Engineering (plumbing and fire protection engineers, and code consultants); Simpson, Gumpertz and Heger (structural engineers); Moriece & Gary (civil engineers); and Acentech (acoustical consultants).